NEW AUSSIE number one Kimberly Birrell is in career-best form and producing in her home state, with the German-born Queenslander cracking into double-digit rankings for the first time. The 26-year-old achieved the feat with yet another big win, this time over world number 35 Anastasia Potapova at the Brisbane International.

Reaching the biggest quarter final of her career, the 26-year-old Australian shook off early resistance from the Russian to exploit her opponent’s inconsistent forehand and close out the match in straight sets, 7-6 6-2. Coming into the event Birrell was ranked 113th in the world, but has bolted up to 99th after reaching the quarter finals, leapfrogging current Aussie number one, Olivia Gadecki in the process.

Birrell’s tournament in her home state has been nothing short of sensational, upsetting world number eight Emma Navarro in the second round after disposing of compatriot Priscilla Hon in the first, and now added Potapova to her list of scalps. She created break point chances across seven opposition service games and converted three of her 12 official chances.

The new Top 100 singles player was left stunned after yet another upset victory.

“I’m so totally speechless,” Birrell said. “To play here is so special and to play well and have all of you guys behind me, it just means the world and I hope that I can keep going and make you guys proud.”

The Australian has had her injury concerns over the journey, with her most serious being an elbow issue that kept her from progressing. Now the 26-year-old looks at it as a great resilience builder.

“It has been a long road. I have had a few injuries but, you know, as does everyone who plays professional sport, and everyone has their trials and tribulations in life,” she said.

“I’ve been super lucky to just have such an incredible family and team behind me, and they believed in me when I didn’t even think I was going to get back on court. They encouraged me, and they’re pretty much the only reason why I’m back playing at this level today.”

As for how far Birrell could go, she has the confidence to keep her run going. Next up is talented Ukrainian Anhelina Kalinina who defeated China’s Yue Yuan easily 6-1 6-4 and like Birrell, is coming off a big upset with a three-set victory over fifth seeded Russian Diana Shnaider in the Round of 32.

“I really believe in the way that I’m playing and anything can happen, especially in the first week of the year, especially playing at home,” she said. “I can’t wait to get back out here. Everyone’s a great tennis player it’s going to take another big effort but I’m ready.”

In other results, the seeds kept falling with a further three falling leaving just two remaining in the quarter finals. After winning a tight three-setter the day before, two-time champion and 10th seed Victoria Azarenka bowed out to Czech Marie Bouzkova in straight sets.

Young Russian Polina Kudermetova knocked off third seeded Russian Daria Kasatkina 1-6 6-2 7-5, while 12th seeded Linda Noskova was smashed by higher ranked fellow young gun Mirra Andreeva, 6-3 6-0. meanwhile other winners were world number one Aryna Sabalenka, former world number two now unseeded Ons Jabeur and American Ashlyn Krueger who all made their way into the quarter finals.